Former NF police officer sentenced on cocaine charge

A former Niagara Falls police officer, convicted for involvement in narcotics sales, has been sentenced to time served and three years probation.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says Stephanie Costanzo, 29, was sentenced on a charge of of managing drug-involved premises to the same amount of time she had been on the force.

“When a person turns a blind eye to criminal conduct, they become complicit in it,” stated U.S. Attorney James Kennedy. “Today’s sentencings make clear that in our community there will be no refuge granted to drug dealers or to those who assist drug dealers.”

Costanzo was convicted with her boyfriend, Raymond Hopson, who will be sentenced at a later date. Authorities say the couple's Grand Avenue residence in Niagara Falls was used as a base for the sale of crack cocaine.

On five occasions between July 28, 2016, and November 8, 2016, Kennedy said Hopson obtained crack cocaine from Carrier and then sold it to an undercover officer.

Also sentenced Wednesday was Lindsay Carrier, who was given 70 months in federal prison for conspiring with Hopson to sell cocaine. Kennedy said a search warrant executed at the Willow Avenue residence of Carrier’s mother resulted in the seizure of cocaine and crack cocaine.